And those who strive hard for Us, We will most certainly guide them in Our ways; and Allah is most surely with the doers of good. 29:69 The Quran

Pakistan US Fast Growing

Relations

Syed Javed Hussain

Pakistan US relations are going from strength to strength. Since Sept 11, 2001 both countries have seen that global war on terror can't be won unless they, having vital interests at stake, come even closer together and fight off their common enemy with greater dedication and commitment. (1)

As of today, 11th April, 2010, Pakistan's Prime Minister, Syed Yousif Raza Gilani, is on a state visit to US to attend Obamas Nuclear Security Summit and is receiving high profile exposure in Media and grand receptions at all official levels. The age-long ice seems to be melting and in the absence of the fog of suspicion and misunderstanding now leadership of both countries is looking at the future that is built upon mutual trust and cooperation.

Facing a Common Enemy

On April 4, 2010 the US consulate in Peshawar was attacked. The loss of life was low at the site but at the same time in yet another blast in the city 46 people lost their lives.

According to 'the Dawn' the most circulated English newspaper in Pakistan at his reception to Prime Minister Yousif Raza Gilani, Mr. Obama voiced appreciation for Pakistan's response to the attack on the US consulate in Peshawar and offered condolences over the assault and bombing of a rally elsewhere in the city where 46 people had lost their lives.

"These two attacks on the same day are important to note because the extremists do not distinguish between us and we are truly facing a common enemy," Obama is reported to have said at the reception.

Later in the day the White House spokesperson in his briefing to the media elaborated that the relationship between Pakistan and the United States was "of significant importance because of the shared values of our countries and the fight we are both engaged in against extremists operating in South Asia." ('The Dawn' Karachi, Pakistan)

Islamists Opposition to Pak US Relations

Apart from Al-Qaeda and Taliban not liking fast growing relations between US and Pakistan, there are religious parties like "Jamat-e-Islami" Pakistan that do not want any relations with the US. They occasionally issue fatwa "religious edict" against maintaining relations with infidel country like the US.

They have a special rancour reserved for the US because of its, according to them, exploitative policies in the lands of Islam especially in the Middle East. The US Middle East doctrine with its unqualified support for Israel does not go well with common people on the streets of Muslim countries. This is the only issue JI is able to earn some ears in Pakistan, otherwise, it has always got sever beatings in all the elections in Pakistan so far. Pakistanis have always supported moderately secular and enlightened parties over religious and overtly revolutionary ones.(2)

Indian Opposition

Even though at international level Pakistan's fight against terror is being recognized, India must oppose Pakistan as a rule and discount whatever credit Pakistan may hope to receive as a result of its new-found goodwill in international circles. India continues to blame Pakistan for harboring terrorist outfits that are India specific. (3)

Itnames organizationslikeLashkar-e-Tayyaba,Jamaat-al-Dawa,andJaish-e-Mohammed,which are sympathetic to freedom movement in progress in Indian held Kashmir. Although these organizations express their sympathies for Kashmiris under Indian control they deny any active involvement in the Kashmiris fight against Indian rule.

India nominated Hafiz Mohammed Saeed for his alleged involvement in 26th Nov., 2008 Bombay attack. India could not substantiate its claim with evidence; therefore, Hafiz Mohammad Saeed was released by Pakistani courts due to the lack of evidence. ( Wikipedia)

Now as Pakistans Prime Minister is there in the US and is expected to ask for a similar nuclear deal with Pakistan for civilian use as the US had done with India, it does not go well with India. According to 'The Dawn' report of 11th April, 2010 India has already expressed its concern over the expected deal.

On April 11, 2010 an hour before Pakistans PM was due to meet Mr Obama, Indian PM Manmohan Singh met the US president and conveyed India's concern over American military aid to Pakistan and over the situation in Afghanistan.

Pakistan army is engaged in a fratricidal war with extremists on Pak Afghan border. It is inflicting heavy losses on extremists. According to media reports 100 extremists were killed by Pakistan Army in the tribal belt bordering Afghanistan on April 12, 2010. It is a tough fight and Pakistan army is facing a strong resistance from these die hard fanatics. Government of Pakistan wants that its Armys losses in men and material should not go unnoticed.